Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device includes a substrate, and an array of pixels on the substrate, the array of the pixels including a first column in which first pixels emitting first color light and second pixels emitting second color light are alternately disposed in a first direction, and a second column adjacent to the first column. The second column includes third pixels that emit third color light and are disposed in the first direction. The second column includes groups each including two or more third pixels, and a first distance between adjacent third pixels included in a same group is less than a second distance between adjacent third pixels included in different groups.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefits of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2020-0017140 under 35 U.S.C. § 119, filed in theKorean Intellectual Property Office on Feb. 12, 2020, the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

One or more embodiments relate to a display device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Display devices have been used for various purposes. Also, because thethickness and weight of the display devices have been reduced, theutilization range of the display devices has increased.

As display devices are utilized variously, demand has been increasingfor longer display device lifespan and high-quality display deviceimages.

It is to be understood that this background of the technology sectionis, in part, intended to provide useful background for understanding thetechnology. However, this background of the technology section may alsoinclude ideas, concepts, or recognitions that were not part of what wasknown or appreciated by those skilled in the pertinent art prior to acorresponding effective filing date of the subject matter disclosedherein.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments may provide a display device, the lifespan andquality of which may be improved. However, the above technical featuresare exemplary, and the scope of the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

According to one or more embodiments, a display device may include asubstrate, and an array of pixels on the substrate, wherein the array ofthe pixels may include a first column in which first pixels emittingfirst color light and second pixels emitting second color light arealternately disclosed in a first direction, and a second column adjacentto the first column, the second column including third pixels that emitthird color light and are disposed in the first direction. The secondcolumn may include groups each including two or more third pixels, and afirst distance between adjacent third pixels included in a same groupmay be less than a second distance between adjacent third pixelsincluded in different groups.

The two or more third pixels may include an even number of third pixels.

The two or more third pixels may include at least four third pixels.

Each of the groups in the second column may include a first third pixeland a second third pixel disposed sequentially in the first direction, asecond pixel of the first column may be disposed between opposite edgesof the first third pixel, the opposite edges being at opposite sides ofthe first third pixel in the first direction, and another second pixelof the first column may be disposed between opposite edges of the secondthird pixel, the opposite edges being at opposite sides of the secondthird pixel in the first direction.

Each of the groups in the second column may include a third pixel andanother third pixel disposed sequentially and adjacent to each other, afirst pixel of the first column may be disposed between opposite edgesof the third pixel, the opposite edges being at opposite sides of thethird pixel in the first direction, and another first pixel of the firstcolumn may be disposed between opposite edges of the another thirdpixel, the opposite edges being at opposite sides of the another thirdpixel in the first direction.

A third distance between a first pixel and a second pixel adjacent toeach other in the first column may be greater than the first distanceand less than the second distance.

The array of the pixels may include a third column adjacent to thesecond column, the third column comprising the first and second pixelsthat may be alternately disposed in the first direction, and a fourthcolumn adjacent to the third column, the fourth column including thethird pixels that emit third color light and are disposed in the firstdirection.

A first pixel in the first column and a first pixel in the third columnmay be disposed in a first row direction that is in a second directionperpendicular to the first direction, a second pixel in the first columnand a second pixel in the third column may be disposed in a second rowdirection that may be in the second direction, the fourth column mayinclude groups each including two or more third pixels, and the groupsin the fourth column and the groups in the second column may be offsetwith respect to each other.

The fourth column may further include a group disposed at an edge of thefourth column and including half as many third pixels as another groupof the fourth column.

The display device may further include a first light-emitting diode, asecond light-emitting diode, and a third light-emitting dioderespectively corresponding to a first pixel, a second pixel, and a thirdpixel of the array of pixels, wherein each of the first light-emittingdiode, the second light-emitting diode, and the third light-emittingdiode may include a pixel electrode, an emission layer, and an oppositeelectrode.

The emission layer of the third light-emitting diode may extend in thefirst direction and overlap predetermined ones of the third pixels.

The display device may further include pixel circuits electricallyconnected to the first light-emitting diode, the second light-emittingdiode, and the third light-emitting diode, a first connection partbetween the pixel electrode of the first light-emitting diode and acorresponding pixel circuit, and a second connection part between thepixel electrode of the second light-emitting diode and a correspondingpixel circuit, wherein the first connection part and the secondconnection part may be disposed between the first pixel and the secondpixel.

The display device may further include a third connection part betweenthe pixel electrode of the third light-emitting diode and acorresponding pixel circuit. The third connection part may be adjacentto the first pixel and the second pixel.

One of the first pixel and the second pixel may include a red pixel andthe other of the first pixel and the second pixel may include a greenpixel, and the third pixel may include a blue pixel.

An aperture ratio of each of the third pixels may be greater than anaperture ratio of each of the first and second pixels.

According to one or more embodiments, a display device may include asubstrate, pixel electrodes disposed on the substrate, a pixel defininglayer disposed on the pixel electrodes, the pixel defining layercomprising openings overlapping the pixel electrodes, first emissionlayers, second emission layers, and third emission layers that aredisposed on the pixel defining layer, and an opposite electrode disposedon the first, second, and third emission layers. The openings in thepixel defining layer may include a first column including first openingsand second openings that may be alternately disposed in a firstdirection, and a second column adjacent to the first column, the secondcolumn including third openings disposed in the first direction, whereinthe second column may include a first opening group comprising thirdopenings, and a second opening group disposed adjacent to the firstopening group in the first direction, the second opening group includingthird openings, and a first distance between adjacent third openings inthe first opening group may be less than a second distance between thefirst opening group and the second opening group.

The first emission layers may respectively overlap the first openings,the second emission layers may respectively overlap the second openings,the third emission layers may be apart from one another in the firstdirection, and each of the third emission layers may overlapcorresponding ones of the third openings.

The first emission layers may include red emission layers emitting redlight, the second emission layers may include green emission layersemitting green light, and the third emission layers may include blueemission layers emitting blue light.

The pixel defining layer may include a first portion between two thirdopenings that are adjacent to each other and overlap one of the thirdemission layers, and a second portion between two third openings thatare adjacent to each other, one of the two third openings overlappingone of the third emission layers and the other third opening overlappinganother one of the third emission layers, and a width of the firstportion may be less than a width of the second portion.

The pixel defining layer may include a third portion between the firstopening and the second opening that may be adjacent to each other andrespectively overlap the first and second emission layers, and a widthof the third portion may be greater than the width of the first portionand less than the width of the second portion.

Each of the third openings may include opposite edges at opposite sidesin the first direction, a second opening of the first column may overlapthe second emission layer and may be disposed between opposite edges ofa first third opening included in the first opening group or the secondopening group, and another second opening of the first column mayoverlap the second emission layer and may be disposed between oppositeedges of a second third opening included in the first opening group orthe second opening group.

A first opening of the first column may overlap the first emission layerand may be disposed between opposite edges of a third opening includedin the first opening group or the second opening group, and anotherfirst opening of the first column may overlap the first emission layerand may be disposed between opposite edges of another third openingincluded in the first opening group or the second opening group.

The openings in the pixel defining layer may include a third columnadjacent to the second column, the third column including first openingsand second openings that are alternately disposed in the firstdirection, and a fourth column adjacent to the third column, the fourthcolumn including third openings disposed in the first direction, thefourth column may include opening groups each including two or morethird openings, and one of the opening groups in the fourth column andthe first opening group in the second column may be offset with respectto each other.

The display device may further include pixel circuits electricallyconnected to the pixel electrodes, wherein connection parts between thepixel electrodes may overlap the third openings of the second column andcorresponding pixel circuits may be adjacent to the first column.

A first length between an edge of one of the third openings of thesecond column and a corresponding connection part may be different froma second length between an edge of a neighboring third opening and acorresponding connection part.

Each of the third openings of the second column may include a concaveportion adjacent to the first column.

An area of each of the third openings may be greater than an area ofeach of the first openings or an area of each of the second openings.

Other aspects, features and advantages of the disclosure will becomebetter understood through the accompanying drawings, the claims and thedetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit connected to anorganic light-emitting diode in a display device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of pixels in apart of a display device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view partially showing the pixels of FIG. 4 ;

FIGS. 6A to 6C are schematic plan views partially illustrating processesof manufacturing a display device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device takenalong line VII-VII′ of FIG. 6C;

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device takenalong line VIII-VIII′ of FIG. 6C;

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view partially showing a display deviceaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of pixels in adisplay device according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view partially showing the pixels of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like referencenumerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, theembodiments may have different forms and should not be construed asbeing limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, theembodiments are merely described below, by referring to the figures, toexplain aspects of the description.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. For example, “A and/or B”may be understood to mean “A, B, or A and B.” The terms “and” and “or”may be used in the conjunctive or disjunctive sense and may beunderstood to be equivalent to “and/or.” Throughout the disclosure, theexpression “at least one of a, b or c” indicates only a, only b, only c,both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, orvariations thereof.

While such terms as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used to describevarious components, such components are not to be limited to the aboveterms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one component fromanother.

An expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of theplural, unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context.

Terms such as “including,” “having,” and “comprising” are intended toindicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions,components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in thespecification, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that oneor more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, orcombinations thereof may exist or may be added.

It will be understood that when a layer, region, or component isreferred to as being “formed on” another layer, region, or component, itmay be directly or indirectly formed on the other layer, region, orcomponent. For example, intervening layers, regions, or components maybe present.

Sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenienceof explanation. In other words, since sizes and thicknesses ofcomponents in the drawings may be arbitrarily illustrated forconvenience of explanation, the following embodiments are not limitedthereto.

When a certain embodiment may be implemented differently, a specificprocess order may be performed differently from the described order. Forexample, two consecutively described processes may be performedsubstantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to thedescribed order.

In the embodiments below, when layers, areas, or elements or the likeare referred to as being “connected,” it will be understood that theymay be directly connected or an intervening portion may be presentbetween layers, areas or elements. For example, when layers, areas, orelements or the like are referred to as being “electrically connected,”they may be directly electrically connected, or layers, areas orelements may be indirectly electrically connected and an interveningportion may be present.

The term overlap may include layer, stack, face or facing, extendingover, extending under, extending under, covering or partly covering orany other suitable term as would be appreciated and understood by thoseof ordinary skill in the art.

“About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the statedvalue and means within an acceptable range of deviation for theparticular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art,considering the measurement in question and the error associated withmeasurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of themeasurement system). For example, “about” may mean within one or morestandard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 5% of the stated value.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical andscientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by thoseskilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be furtherunderstood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense unlessclearly defined in the specification.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device 1 according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the display device 1 may include a display area DAand a non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA (e.g., on anouter portion of the display area DA). The display device 1 may provideimages via arrays of pixels that may be two-dimensionally arranged inthe display area DA.

Each of the pixels in the display device 1 may be a region emittinglight of a certain color, and the display device 1 may provide images byusing light emitted from the pixels. For example, each of the pixels mayemit red light, green light, or blue light.

Each of the pixels may emit light of a certain color by using alight-emitting diode, e.g., an organic light-emitting diode. Each of theorganic light-emitting diodes may emit, for example, red light, greenlight, or blue light. Each of the organic light-emitting diodes may beconnected to a pixel circuit including a transistor and a capacitor.

The non-display area NDA may not provide images, and may surround (e.g.,entirely surround) the display area DA. A driver or a main power linefor providing pixel circuits with electrical signals or electric powermay be in the non-display area NDA. The non-display area NDA may includea pad to which an electronic device or a printed circuit board may beelectrically connected.

The display area DA may have a polygonal shape including a rectangularshape, as shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the display area DA may have arectangular shape in which a horizontal length may be greater than avertical length, a rectangular shape in which a horizontal length may beless than a vertical length, or a square shape. As another example, thedisplay area DA may have various shapes, e.g., an elliptical shape or acircular shape.

The display device 1 may include a mobile phone, a television, abillboard, a tablet PC, a laptop, a smart watch or a smart band worn ona wrist, etc.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit connected to anorganic light-emitting diode OLED in a display device according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the organic light-emitting diode OLED may beelectrically connected to a pixel circuit PC. The pixel circuit PC mayinclude a first thin film transistor T1, a second thin film transistorT2, and a storage capacitor Cst.

The second thin film transistor T2 may be a switching thin filmtransistor and may be connected to a scan line SL and a data line DL,and may be configured to transfer a data voltage (or data signal Dm)input from the data line DL to the first thin film transistor T1 basedon a switching voltage (or switching signal Sn) input from the scan lineSL. The storage capacitor Cst may be connected to the second thin filmtransistor T2 and a driving voltage line PL and may store a voltagecorresponding to a difference between a voltage transferred from thesecond thin film transistor T2 and a first power voltage ELVDD suppliedto the driving voltage line PL.

The first thin film transistor T1 may be a driving thin film transistorconnected to the driving voltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cstand may control a driving current flowing in the organic light-emittingdiode OLED from the driving voltage line PL, corresponding to thevoltage value stored in the storage capacitor Cst. The organiclight-emitting diode OLED may emit light having a certain luminanceaccording to the driving current. An opposite electrode (e.g., acathode) of the organic light-emitting diode OLED may receive supply ofa second power voltage ELVSS.

FIG. 2 illustrates that the pixel circuit PC may include two thin filmtransistors and one storage capacitor, but one or more embodiments arenot limited thereto. The number of thin film transistors and the numberof storage capacitors may vary depending on a design of the pixelcircuit PC. For example, the pixel circuit PC may include three, four,five, or more thin film transistors. In some embodiments, at least onethin film transistor may be further provided between the first thin filmtransistor T1 and the organic light-emitting diode OLED, and the firstthin film transistor T1 and the organic light-emitting diode OLED may beelectrically connected to each other via at least one thin filmtransistor.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device 1according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the displayarea DA.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the display device 1 may include a substrate 100,a pixel circuit PC on the substrate 100, and an organic light-emittingdiode OLED on the pixel circuit PC, the organic light-emitting diodeOLED being electrically connected to the pixel circuit PC.

The substrate 100 may include glass or a polymer resin. The polymerresin may include polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyether imide,polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylenesulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, cellulose acetatepropionate, etc., or a combination thereof. The substrate 100 includingthe polymer resin may be flexible, rollable, or bendable. The substrate100 may have a multi-layered structure including a layer including thepolymer resin stated above and an inorganic layer (not shown).

The buffer layer 111 may reduce or prevent infiltration of impurities,moisture, or external air from below the substrate 100, and may providea planarized surface on the substrate 100. The buffer layer 111 mayinclude an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, siliconoxynitride, and silicon nitride, and may have a single-layered ormulti-layered structure including the stated materials.

The pixel circuit PC may be on the buffer layer 111 and may include athin film transistor TFT and a storage capacitor Cst.

The thin film transistor TFT may include a semiconductor layer Act, agate electrode GE overlapping a channel region of the semiconductorlayer Act, and a source electrode SE and a drain electrode DErespectively connected to a source region and a drain region of thesemiconductor layer Act. A gate insulating layer 112 may be between thesemiconductor layer Act and the gate electrode GE, and a firstinterlayer insulating layer 113 and a second interlayer insulating layer115 may be between the gate electrode GE and the source electrode SE orbetween the gate electrode GE and the drain electrode DE.

The storage capacitor Cst may overlap the thin film transistor TFT. Thestorage capacitor Cst may include a first capacitor plate CE1 and asecond capacitor plate CE2 overlapping each other. In some embodiments,the gate electrode GE of the thin film transistor TFT may include thefirst capacitor plate CE1 of the storage capacitor Cst. The firstinterlayer insulating layer 113 may be between the first capacitor plateCE1 and the second capacitor plate CE2.

The semiconductor layer Act may include polysilicon. In someembodiments, the semiconductor layer Act may include amorphous silicon.In some embodiments, the semiconductor layer Act may include an oxide ofat least one selected from the group of indium (In), gallium (Ga),stannum (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd),germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn). Thesemiconductor layer Act may include a channel region, and a sourceregion and a drain region doped with impurities.

The gate insulating layer 112 may include an inorganic insulatingmaterial such as silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, and silicon nitride,and may have a single-layered or multi-layered structure including thestated materials.

The gate electrode GE or the first capacitor plate CE1 may have asingle-layered or multi-layered structure including a metal materialsuch as molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and/or titanium(Ti).

The first interlayer insulating layer 113 may include an inorganicinsulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, andsilicon nitride, and may have a single-layered or multi-layeredstructure including the stated materials.

The second capacitor plate CE2 may have a single-layered ormulti-layered structure including aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt),palladium (Pd), argentum (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aurum (Au), nickel (Ni),neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca),molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and/or copper (Cu).

The second interlayer insulating layer 115 may include an inorganicinsulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, andsilicon nitride, and may have a single-layered or multi-layeredstructure including the stated materials.

The source electrode SE and/or the drain electrode DE may have asingle-layered or multi-layered structure including aluminum (Al),platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), argentum (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aurum(Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), nickel(Ni), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti),tungsten (W), and/or copper (Cu). For example, the source electrode SEor the drain electrode DE may have a triple-layered structure includingtitanium layer/aluminum layer/titanium layer.

The pixel circuit PC including the thin film transistor TFT and thestorage capacitor Cst may be electrically connected to a pixel electrode210. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the pixel circuit PC and thepixel electrode 210 may be electrically connected to each other via acontact metal CM. In another embodiment, an additional contact metal maybe further provided between the pixel circuit PC and the pixel electrode210. The pixel circuit PC and the pixel electrode 210 may beelectrically connected to each other via the contact metal CM and theadditional contact metal between the contact metal CM and the pixelelectrode 210. As another example, the pixel circuit PC and the pixelelectrode 210 may be electrically connected to each other directlywithout the contact metal CM intervening.

The contact metal CM may be on a first upper insulating layer 117 andmay be connected to the pixel circuit PC via a contact hole in the firstupper insulating layer 117. The contact metal CM may have asingle-layered or multi-layered structure including aluminum (Al),platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), argentum (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aurum(Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium(Li), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and/orcopper (Cu). In some embodiments, the contact metal CM may have atriple-layered structure including a titanium layer/an aluminum layer/atitanium layer.

The first upper insulating layer 117 may include an inorganic insulatingmaterial and/or an organic insulating material. The inorganic insulatingmaterial in the first upper insulating layer 117 may include siliconoxide, silicon oxynitride, silicon nitride, etc. The organic insulatingmaterial in the first upper insulating layer 117 may include acryl,benzocyclobutene (BCB), polyimide, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), etc.,or a combination thereof.

A second upper insulating layer 118 may be on the contact metal CM. Thesecond upper insulating layer 118 may include an inorganic insulatingmaterial and/or an organic insulating material. The inorganic insulatingmaterial in the second upper insulating layer 118 may include siliconoxide, silicon oxynitride, silicon nitride, etc., or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the second upper insulating layer 118 mayinclude an organic insulating material such as acryl, benzocyclobutene(BCB), polyimide, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), etc., or a combinationthereof.

The pixel electrode 210 may be on the second upper insulating layer 118.The pixel electrode 210 may be connected to the contact metal CM via acontact hole in the second upper insulating layer 118.

The pixel electrode 210 may include a reflective layer includingargentum (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium(Pd), aurum (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium(Cr), or a compound thereof. The pixel electrode 210 may include areflective layer including the above-stated material, and a transparentconductive layer on and/or under the reflective layer. The transparentconductive layer may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide(IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In₂O₃), indium gallium oxide,aluminum zinc oxide (AZO), or a combination thereof. In an embodiment,the pixel electrode 210 may have a triple-layered structure includingITO layer/Ag layer/ITO layer that may be stacked sequentially on eachother.

A pixel defining layer 119 may be on the pixel electrode 210. The pixeldefining layer 119 may cover edges of the pixel electrode 210 and mayinclude an opening 119OP overlapping a central portion of the pixelelectrode 210.

The pixel defining layer 119 may include an organic insulating materialsuch as polyimide, polyamide, an acrylic resin, benzocyclobutene,hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), a phenol resin, etc., or a combinationthereof.

An intermediate layer 220 may include an emission layer 222 overlappingthe pixel electrode 210. The emission layer 222 may include an organicmaterial. The emission layer 222 may include a polymer or low-molecularweight organic material emitting certain color light.

The intermediate layer 220 may further include at least one functionallayer. For example, the intermediate layer 220 may further include afirst functional layer 221 and a second functional layer 223 under andon the emission layer 222.

The first functional layer 221 may have a single-layered ormulti-layered structure. For example, in case that the first functionallayer 221 includes a polymer material, the first functional layer 221may include a hole transport layer (HTL) having a single-layeredstructure, and may include poly-(3,4)-ethylene-dihydroxy thiophene(PEDOT), polyaniline (PANI), or a combination thereof. In case that thefirst functional layer 221 includes a low-molecular weight organicmaterial, the first functional layer 221 may include a hole injectionlayer (HIL) and an HTL.

The second functional layer 223 may have a single-layered ormulti-layered structure. In case that the first functional layer 221 andthe emission layer 222 include a polymer material, the second functionallayer 223 may be provided. The second functional layer 223 may includean electron transport layer (ETL) and/or an electron injection layer(EIL).

Each of the first functional layer 221 and the second functional layer223 may be integrally provided to cover (e.g., entirely cover) thedisplay area DA.

An opposite electrode 230 may include a conductive material having arelatively low work function. For example, the opposite electrode 230may include a (semi-)transparent layer including argentum (Ag),magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li),calcium (Ca), or an alloy thereof. As another example, the oppositeelectrode 230 may further include a layer including ITO, IZO, ZnO, orIn₂O₃ on the (semi-)transparent layer including the above material. Inan embodiment, the opposite electrode 230 may include argentum (Ag) andmagnesium (Mg).

A stack structure of the pixel electrode 210, the intermediate layer220, and the opposite electrode 230 may configure a light-emittingdiode, e.g., organic light-emitting diode OLED. The organiclight-emitting diode OLED may emit red light, green light, or bluelight, and an emission area in each organic light-emitting diode OLEDmay correspond to a pixel. According to one or more embodiments, becausean opening 119OP in the pixel defining layer 119 defines the emissionarea in the organic light-emitting diode OLED, a size and/or a width ofa pixel P may be dependent upon a size and/or a width of the opening119OP in the pixel defining layer 119.

The organic light-emitting diode OLED may be covered by an encapsulationmember. The encapsulation member may include a thin film encapsulationlayer including an inorganic encapsulation layer including an inorganicinsulating material and/or an organic encapsulation layer including anorganic insulating material, or an encapsulation substrate such asglass.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of pixels in apart of a display device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4 , arrays of pixels that may be two-dimensionallyarranged in a first direction (e.g., y-direction) and a second direction(e.g., x-direction) may define the display area DA. The pixels in thearray may include a first pixel of a first color, a second pixel of asecond color, and a third pixel of a third color. In an embodiment, thefirst pixel may include a red pixel Pr emitting red light, the secondpixel may include a green pixel Pg emitting green light, and the thirdpixel may include a blue pixel Pb emitting blue light.

The array of the pixels may include columns (or pixel columns) arrangedin the first direction (e.g., y-direction). Among the first to thirdpixels of different colors, the first pixel and the second pixel may bearranged in a same column and the third pixel may be arranged in adifferent column from the others. For example, the red pixel Pr and thegreen pixel Pg may be in the same column, and the blue pixel Pb may bein a different column.

The array of the pixels may include a (2j−1)-th column including the redpixels Pr and the green pixels Pg, a (2j)-th column including the bluepixels Pb, a (2j+1)-th column including the red pixels Pr and the greenpixels Pg, and a (2j+2)-th column including the blue pixels Pb (here, jmay be 1 or greater odd-number). The array of the pixels may have astructure, in which the (2j−1)-th column, the (2j)-th column, the(2j+1)-th column, and the (2j+2)-th column may be repeatedly arranged.The (2j−1)-th column and the (2j+1)-th column may each include the redpixels Pr and the green pixels Pg that may be alternately arranged inthe first direction. The (2j)-th column and the (2j+2)-th column mayeach include the blue pixels Pb arranged in the first direction.

In the (2j−1)-th column, e.g., a first column, the red pixel Pr and thegreen pixel Pg adjacent to each other may be arranged to be apart fromeach other in the first direction (e.g., y-direction). The red pixel Prand the green pixel Pg may be apart a certain distance from each other.

In the (2j)-th column, e.g., a second column, the blue pixels Pb may beapart from one another. A distance between the blue pixels Pb in thesecond column may vary depending on the location, and the blue pixels Pbmay be grouped according to the distances between the blue pixels Pb. Inthe second column, n blue pixels Pb (n may be 4 or greater even-number)may be adjacent to one another and may be grouped. For example, thesecond column may have a structure, in which groups each including nblue pixels Pb (n may be 4 or greater even-number) may be arranged inthe first direction. In this regard, in FIG. 4 , a first group (or afirst pixel group) G1 including four blue pixels Pb and a second group(or a second pixel group) G2 including four blue pixels Pb in the secondcolumn are shown.

A first distance d1 among the blue pixels Pb in each group may be lessthan a second distance d2 between the groups. For example, the firstdistance d1 among the blue pixels Pb included in the first group G1 maybe less than the second distance d2 between the first group G1 and thesecond group G2. Similarly, the first distance d1 among the blue pixelsPb included in the second group G2 may be less than the second distanced2 between the first group G1 and the second group G2.

The second distance d2 between the first group G1 and the second groupG2 may correspond to a distance between the blue pixel Pb of the firstgroup G1, which may be closest to the second group G2, and the bluepixel Pb of the second group G2, which may be closest to the first groupG1.

The second distance d2 may be greater than a third distance d3 betweenthe red pixel Pr and the green pixel Pg adjacent to each other, and thethird distance d3 may be greater than the first distance d1.

In the (2j+1)-th column, e.g., a third column, the red pixels Pr and thegreen pixels Pg may be alternately arranged in the first direction(e.g., y-direction). The third column may have a structure that may bethe same or substantially the same as that of the first column. In thethird column, the red pixel Pr and the green pixel Pg adjacent to eachother may have a third distance d3 therebetween.

Referring to the (2j−1)-th column and the (2j+1)-th column, the redpixels Pr may be arranged in a second direction crossing the firstdirection, e.g., one virtual column direction in the x-direction thatmay be perpendicular to the y-direction. Similarly, the green pixels Pgmay be arranged in one another virtual column direction in thex-direction.

In the (2j+2)-th column, e.g., a fourth column, the blue pixels Pb maybe apart from one another. A distance between the blue pixels Pb in thefourth column may vary depending on the location, and the blue pixels Pbmay be grouped according to the distances between the blue pixels Pb.

As in the second column, the fourth column may have a structure, inwhich groups each including n blue pixels Pb (n may be 4 or greatereven-number) may be arranged in the first direction. In this regard, inFIG. 4 , a third group (or a third pixel group) G3 including four bluepixels Pb and a fourth group (or a fourth pixel group) G4 including fourblue pixels Pb in the second column are shown. The first distance d1among the blue pixels Pb in each group may be less than the seconddistance d2 between the groups.

Groups of the blue pixels Pb in the fourth column and groups of the bluepixels Pb in the second column may be offset with respect to each other.For example, referring to FIG. 4 , the blue pixels Pb in the fourthcolumn may be shifted by about (n/2) pixel in the first direction ascompared with the blue pixels Pb in the second column. For example, someof the blue pixels Pb of the third group G3 in the fourth columncorrespond to the blue pixels Pb of the first group G1 in the secondcolumn, and the other blue pixels Pb of the third group G3 maycorrespond to the blue pixels Pb of the second group G2 in the secondcolumn.

Referring to the (2j)-th column and the (2j+2)-th column, n blue pixelsPb may be grouped, and groups may be arranged with the second distanced2 therebetween in the first direction (e.g., y-direction) and inzig-zags in the second direction (e.g., x-direction).

The (2j+2)-th column, e.g., the fourth column, may include a fifth groupG5 adjacent to the non-display area NDA. Unlike in the second column,because the blue pixels Pb in the fourth column may be shifted by about(n/2) pixels in the first direction, the fifth group G5 at an edge ofthe fourth column may include (n/2) blue pixels Pb.

Referring to FIG. 4 , each blue pixel Pb may be adjacent to the redpixel Pr and the green pixel Pg. For example, one blue pixel Pb in the(2j)-th column may be adjacent to one red pixel Pr and one green pixelPg in the (2j−1)-th column, and one blue pixel Pb in the (2j+2)-thcolumn may be adjacent to one red pixel Pr and one green pixel Pg in the(2j+1)-th column. Because the distance between the blue pixels Pb in the(2j)-th column and/or the (2j+2)-th column varies depending on thelocation of the blue pixel Pb as described above, locationalrelationship among the red pixel Pr, the green pixel Pg, and the bluepixel Pb may vary depending on the location of the blue pixel Pb asdescribed later with reference to FIG. 5 .

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view partially showing the pixels of FIG. 4 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , the blue pixels Pb in the (2j)-th column and the(2j+2)-th column may each have a certain length in the first direction(e.g., y-direction). Each of the blue pixels Pb may have a first edge e1and a second edge e2 that may be opposite each other in the firstdirection, and a distance between the first edge e1 and the second edgee2 may correspond to the length of the blue pixel Pb.

The red pixel Pr and the green pixel Pg may be adjacent to the bluepixel Pb, and one of the red pixel Pr and the green pixel Pg may belocated within a range from the first edge e1 to the second edge e2 ofthe adjacent blue pixel Pb. For example, from among n blue pixels Pb ineach group, the green pixel Pg (or red pixel) may be located within arange between the edges of each of the (n/2) pixels that may besequentially arranged, and the red pixel Pr (or green pixel) may belocated within a range between the edges in each of the other (n/2)pixels in each group.

The (2j)-th column of FIG. 5 will be described below.

The first blue pixel Pb in each of the first group G1 and the secondgroup G2 may include the first edge e1 and the second edge e2 oppositeto the first edge e1. The red pixel Pr adjacent to the first blue pixelPb may be out of the range (e.g., completely out of the range) betweenthe first edge e1 and the second edge e2 of the first blue pixel Pb, andthe green pixel Pg adjacent to the first blue pixel Pb may be locatedwithin the range between the first edge e1 and the second edge e2 of thefirst blue pixel Pb.

Similarly, the second blue pixel Pb in each of the first group G1 andthe second group G2 includes the first edge e1 and the second edge e2,and the green pixel Pg may be located within a range between the firstedge e1 and the second edge e2 of the second blue pixel Pb.

The third blue pixel Pb in each of the first group G1 and the secondgroup G2 includes the first edge e1 and the second edge e2, and the redpixel Pr may be located within a range between the first edge e1 and thesecond edge e2 of the third blue pixel Pb.

Similarly, the fourth blue pixel Pb in each of the first group G1 andthe second group G2 includes the first edge e1 and the second edge e2,and the red pixel Pr may be located within a range between the firstedge e1 and the second edge e2 in the fourth blue pixel Pb.

The (2j+2)-th column of FIG. 5 will be described below.

The first blue pixel Pb in each of the third group G3 and the fourthgroup G4 may include the first edge e1 and the second edge e2. The redpixel Pr adjacent to the first blue pixel Pb may be out of the rangebetween the first edge e1 and the second edge e2 of the first blue pixelPb, and the green pixel Pg adjacent to the first blue pixel Pb may belocated within the range between the first edge e1 and the second edgee2 of the first blue pixel Pb. Similarly, the green pixel Pg may belocated within a range between the first edge e1 and the second edge e2of the second blue pixel Pb in each of the third group G3 and the fourthgroup G4.

The third blue pixel Pb in each of the third group G3 and the fourthgroup G4 includes the first edge e1 and the second edge e2, and the redpixel Pr may be located within a range between the first edge e1 and thesecond edge e2 of the third blue pixel Pb. Similarly, the red pixel Prmay be located within a range between the first edge e1 and the secondedge e2 of the fourth blue pixel Pb in each of the third group G3 andthe fourth group G4.

In FIG. 5 , in the (2j)-th column and/or the (2j+2)-th column, the greenpixel Pg may be located within the range between the opposite edges ineach of the first to (n/2)-th blue pixels Pb, and the red pixel Pr maybe located within the range between the opposite edges in each of the(n/2+1)-th to n-th blue pixels Pb in each group. In another embodiment,locations of the green pixel Pg and the red pixel Pr may be switched. Inthe (2j)-th column and/or the (2j+2)-th column, the red pixel Pr may belocated within the range between the opposite edges in each of the firstto (n/2)-th blue pixels Pb, and the green pixel Pg may be located withinthe range between the opposite edges in each of the (n/2+1)-th to n-thblue pixels Pb in each group.

FIGS. 6A to 6C are schematic plan views partially illustrating processesof manufacturing a display device, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6A, pixel electrodes may be arranged in each ofcolumns. First pixel electrodes 210 r corresponding to the red pixelsand second pixel electrodes 210 g corresponding to the green pixels maybe alternately arranged in the first direction (e.g., y-direction) toform one column. Third pixel electrodes 210 b corresponding to the bluepixels may be arranged in the first direction to form another column.

The column including the first pixel electrodes 210 r and the secondpixel electrodes 210 g and the column including the third pixelelectrodes 210 b may be adjacent to each other in the second directioncrossing the first direction. FIG. 6A shows a first column including thefirst pixel electrodes 210 r and the second pixel electrodes 210 g, asecond column including the third pixel electrodes 210 b, a third columnincluding the first pixel electrodes 210 r and the second pixelelectrodes 210 g, and a fourth column including the third pixelelectrodes 210 b. The first to fourth columns may be repeatedly arrangedin the second direction.

In the first and third columns, the first pixel electrodes 210 r and thesecond pixel electrodes 210 g may be alternately arranged in the firstdirection. In the third column, the first pixel electrode 210 r and thesecond pixel electrode 210 g may be alternately arranged in the firstdirection. The first pixel electrode 210 r and the second pixelelectrode 210 g may be apart a certain distance (hereinafter, referredto as a third electrode distance ed3) from each other.

In the second and fourth columns, the third pixel electrodes 210 b maybe arranged in the first direction, and a distance between the thirdpixel electrodes 210 b may vary depending on locations. In each of thesecond and fourth columns, n third pixel electrodes 210 b may beadjacent to one another. In this regard, FIG. 6A shows that fourth thirdpixel electrodes 210 b may be adjacent to one another as one pixelelectrode group.

A first electrode distance ed1 between adjacent third pixel electrodes210 b in one pixel electrode group may be less than a second electrodedistance ed2 between two adjacent pixel electrode groups. For example,the second electrode distance ed2 between the fourth third pixelelectrode 210 b and the fifth third pixel electrode 210 b in the secondcolumn of FIG. 6A may be greater than the first electrode distance ed1between the first third pixel electrode 210 b and the second third pixelelectrode 210 b. The second electrode distance ed2 may be greater thanthe third electrode distance ed3, and the first electrode distance ed1may be less than the third electrode distance ed3.

A distance between the third pixel electrodes 210 b in one pixelelectrode group may be constant. For example, a distance between thefirst third pixel electrode 210 b and the second third pixel electrode210 b in the second column, a distance between the second third pixelelectrode 210 b and the third third pixel electrode 210 b, and adistance between the third third pixel electrode 210 b and the fourththird pixel electrode 210 b shown in FIG. 6A may each correspond to thefirst electrode distance ed1.

As in the second column, n third pixel electrodes 210 b may be adjacentto one another in the first direction in the fourth column. Referring tothe fourth column of FIG. 6A, four third pixel electrodes 210 b may beadjacent to one another with the first electrode distance ed1therebetween, and the group of fourth third pixel electrodes 210 b andanother group of fourth third pixel electrodes 210 b may be apart thesecond electrode distance ed2 from each other.

The third pixel electrodes 210 b in the fourth column may be shifted byabout (n/2) pixels in the first direction, as compared with the thirdpixel electrodes 210 b in the second column. For example, as shown inFIG. 6A, the third pixel electrodes 210 b in the fourth column may beshifted from the third pixel electrodes 210 b in the second column by adistance corresponding to about two third pixel electrodes 210 b in thefirst direction.

Referring to FIG. 6B, the pixel defining layer 119 may be on the firstto third pixel electrodes 210 r, 210 g, and 210 b (FIG. 6A). The pixeldefining layer 119 includes first to third openings 119OP1, 119OP2, and119OP3 respectively overlapping the first to third pixel electrodes 210r, 210 g, and 210 b. An area (or width) of at least one of the first tothird openings 119OP1, 119OP2, and 119OP3 may be greater than those ofthe other openings. For example, an area (or width) of the third opening119OP3 may be greater than that of the first opening 119OP1 or thesecond opening 119OP2.

From among the first to third openings 119OP1, 119OP2, and 119OP3, thefirst and second openings 119OP1 and 119OP2 may be alternately arrangedin the first direction in one column, and the third openings 119OP3 maybe arranged in the first direction in another column.

Referring to FIG. 6B, each of the first and third columns include thefirst openings 119OP1 and the second openings 119OP2 that may bealternately arranged in the first direction.

Each of the second and fourth columns may include the third openings119OP3 arranged in the first direction, and a distance between the thirdopenings 119OP3 may vary depending on the location. For example, thethird openings 119OP3 may be arranged in the first direction, and nthird openings 119OP3 may be adjacent to one another. In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 6B, four third openings 119OP3 may beadjacent to one another in one opening group OG.

The third openings 119OP3 in the fourth column may be shifted in thefirst direction by about (n/2) openings as compared with the thirdopenings 119OP3 in the second column. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B,the third openings 119OP3 in the fourth column may be shifted from thethird openings 119OP3 in the second column by a distance correspondingto about two third openings 119OP3 in the first direction.

Referring to FIG. 6C, first to third emission layers 222 r, 222 g, and222 b may be on the pixel defining layer 119.

The first emission layer 222 r may be on each of the first openings119OP1. Likewise, the second emission layer 222 g may be on each of thesecond openings 119OP2. In some embodiments, the first and secondemission layers 222 r and 222 g may be alternately arranged in the firstdirection as shown in the first and third columns of FIG. 6C. Forexample, one second emission layer 222 g may be between two firstemission layers 222 r, and one first emission layer 222 r may be betweentwo second emission layers 222 g.

The third emission layer 222 b may correspond to n third openings119OP3. For example, the third emission layer 222 b may overlap n thirdopenings 119OP3. In this regard, referring to the second and fourthcolumns in FIG. 6C, the third emission layer 222 b may overlap fourthird openings 119OP3. The third emission layer 222 b overlapping fourthird openings 119OP3 may be apart from another third emission layer 222b overlapping other third openings 119OP3.

The opposite electrode 230 may be on the first to third emission layers222 r, 222 g, and 222 b. The opposite electrode 230 may be integrallyprovided to entirely cover the first to third emission layers 222 r, 222g, and 222 b, or to entirely cover the display area.

Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6C, the first pixel electrode 210 r, the firstemission layer 222 r, and the opposite electrode 230 sequentiallystacked on the first opening 119OP1 may configure an organiclight-emitting diode emitting red light.

Likewise, the second pixel electrode 210 g, the second emission layer222 g, and the opposite electrode 230 sequentially stacked on the secondopening 119OP2 may configure an organic light-emitting diode emittinggreen light. The third pixel electrode 210 b, the third emission layer222 b, and the opposite electrode 230 sequentially stacked on the thirdopening 119OP3 may configure an organic light-emitting diode emittingblue light.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device takenalong line VII-VII′ of FIG. 6C, and FIG. 8 is a schematiccross-sectional view of the display device taken along line VIII-VIII′of FIG. 6C.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 , a buffer layer 111 may be on the substrate100, and the pixel circuit PC may be on the buffer layer 111. A detailedstructure of the pixel circuit PC, insulating layers among the elementsof the pixel circuit PC, and the first upper insulating layer 117, thecontact metal CM, and the second upper insulating layer 118 on the pixelcircuit PC may be the same as those described above with reference toFIG. 3 .

The first pixel electrode 210 r, the second pixel electrode 210 g, andthe third pixel electrode 210 b may be on the second upper insulatinglayer 118.

The pixel defining layer 119 may include the first to third openings119OP1, 119OP2, and 119OP3. The first to third openings 119OP1, 119OP2,and 119OP3 may respectively overlap the first pixel electrode 210 r, thesecond pixel electrode 210 g, and the third pixel electrode 210 b.

The first pixel electrode 210 r, the first emission layer 222 r, and theopposite electrode 230 that may be sequentially stacked may emit redlight through the first opening 119OP1. The first opening 119OP1 may bea region emitting red light, and the region emitting the red light maycorrespond to the red pixel Pr (FIG. 7 ).

The second pixel electrode 210 g, the second emission layer 222 g, andthe opposite electrode 230 that may be sequentially stacked may emitgreen light through the second opening 119OP2. The second opening 119OP2may be a region emitting green light, and the region emitting the greenlight may correspond to the green pixel Pg (FIG. 7 ).

The third pixel electrode 210 b, the third emission layer 222 b, and theopposite electrode 230 that may be sequentially stacked may emit bluelight through the third opening 119OP3. The third opening 119OP3 may bea region emitting blue light, and the region emitting the blue light maycorrespond to the blue pixel Pb (FIG. 8 ).

The pixel defining layer 119 may include n third openings 119OP3 (n maybe 4 or greater even-number) that may be adjacent to each other with thefirst distance d1 therebetween as shown in FIG. 6C and FIG. 8 , and thethird opening 119OP3 included in one opening group OG and the thirdopening 119OP3 included in another opening group OG may have the seconddistance d2 therebetween.

The pixel may be a region emitting light, and the region emitting thelight may be defined by the opening in the pixel defining layer 119.Therefore, an area of the opening in the pixel defining layer 119 maycorrespond to an aperture ratio (or area) of the pixel, and the firstdistance d1 or the second distance d2 between the adjacent blue pixelsPb may correspond to a distance between the adjacent third openings119OP3. Similarly, the third distance d3 between the red pixel Pr andthe green pixel Pg adjacent to each other may correspond to a distancebetween the adjacent second openings 119OP2.

For example, the first distance d1 may correspond to a distance betweenadjacent third openings 119OP3 included in one opening group OG. Asanother example, the first distance d1 may correspond to a width (widthin the first direction) of a first portion 119A of the pixel defininglayer 119 between two adjacent third openings 119OP3 included in oneopening group OG.

The second distance d2 may correspond to a distance between the thirdopenings 119OP3 that may be adjacent to each other but included indifferent opening groups OG. As another example, the second distance d2may correspond to a width (width in the first direction) of a secondportion 119B of the pixel defining layer 119 between one third opening119OP3 included in one opening group OG and one third opening 119OP3included in another opening group OG. In some embodiments, the firstdistance d1 may be about 10 μm to about 12 μm, and the second distanced2 may be about 50 μm to about 55 μm.

The second distance d2 may be a distance between the first opening119OP1 and the second opening 119OP2 that may be adjacent to each other,or may correspond to a width (width in the first direction) of a thirdportion 119C of the pixel defining layer 119 between the first opening119OP1 and the second opening 119OP2. The third distance d3 may be about16 μm to about 20 μm.

The first distance d1 may be greater than the first electrode distanceed1 between the third pixel electrodes 210 b covered by the firstportion 119A of the pixel defining layer 119. The second distance d2 maybe greater than the second electrode distance ed2 between the thirdpixel electrodes 210 b covered by the second portion 119B of the pixeldefining layer 119. The third distance d3 may be greater than the thirdelectrode distance ed3 between the first pixel electrode 210 r and thesecond pixel electrode 210 g covered by the third portion 119C of thepixel defining layer 119.

Unlike the first functional layer 221, the second functional layer 223,and the opposite electrode 230 that may entirely cover the pixeldefining layer 119, the first emission layer 222 r, the second emissionlayer 222 g, and the third emission layer 222 b may be individuallyprovided.

As shown in FIG. 7 , each of the first emission layers 222 r overlapseach first opening 119OP1, and each of the second emission layers 222 goverlaps each second opening 119OP2.

However, as described above with reference to FIG. 6C, the thirdemission layer 222 b may overlap n third openings 119OP3 (n may be 4 orgreater even-number). In this regard, FIG. 8 shows two adjacent thirdemission layers 222 b overlapping the third openings 119OP3.

In order to improve the lifespan of the display device, it may benecessary to ensure a sufficient area of the emission areas emittingred, green, and blue light, e.g., areas of the first to third openings119OP1, 119OP2, and 119OP3, or a sufficient area of the red pixel Pr,the green pixel Pg, and the blue pixel Pb.

In the case of the blue pixels Pb arranged in the first direction, nblue pixels Pb may be arranged adjacent to one another with the firstdistance d1 (see FIG. 7 ) therebetween, and the third emission layer 222b may be formed to correspond to the n blue pixels Pb. Thus, asufficient area of the blue pixels Pb, e.g., the third openings 119OP3,may be ensured. In a comparative example, in case that a third emissionlayer corresponds to each of third openings, it may be difficult toensure a sufficient area of the blue pixels Pb taking into account ashape of a mask for forming the third emission layer and the processingmargin. In another comparative example, a third emission layer maycorrespond to every two third openings. As compared with the comparativeexample, in the display device according to one or more embodiments, theaperture ratio (or area) of the red pixel and the green pixel, as wellas the blue pixel, may be increased, and thus, the aperture ratio of allthe pixels may be improved by about 10% or greater.

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view partially showing a display deviceaccording to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9 , the first pixelelectrode 210 r and the second pixel electrode 210 g may be in the firstdirection (e.g., y-direction). A first connection part CNT1 forelectrically connecting to the first pixel electrode and the pixelcircuit electrically connected to the first pixel electrode 210 r may bebetween the first pixel electrode 210 r and the second pixel electrode210 g. Similarly, a second connection part CNT2 for electricallyconnecting to the second pixel electrode 210 g and the pixel circuitelectrically connected to the second pixel electrode 210 g may bebetween the first pixel electrode 210 r and the second pixel electrode210 g.

In some embodiments, the first connection part CNT1 may be a contactpart between the first pixel electrode 210 r and a contact metal whichelectrically couples the pixel circuit to the first pixel electrode 210r. In some embodiments, the first connection part CNT1 may be a contactpart between the first pixel electrode 210 r and a electrode of one thinfilm transistor of the pixel circuit. Similarly, the second connectionpart CNT2 may be a contact part between the second pixel electrode 210 gand a contact metal which electrically couples the pixel circuit to thesecond pixel electrode 210 g. In some embodiments, the second connectionpart CNT2 may be a contact part between the second pixel electrode 210 gand a electrode of one thin film transistor of the pixel circuit.

The third pixel electrodes 210 b may be in the first direction (e.g.,y-direction). A third connection part CNT3 for electrically connectingto the third pixel electrode 210 b and the pixel circuit electricallyconnected to the third pixel electrode 210 b may be adjacent to a sideof the third pixel electrode 210 b, e.g., a side of the third pixelelectrode 210 b adjacent to the red pixel Pr and the green pixel Pg.

The first pixel electrode 210 r may include a first portion overlappingthe first opening 119OP1 and a second portion protruding from the firstportion towards the second pixel electrode 210 g (or in the firstdirection), and the first connection part CNT1 may be on the secondportion. The second pixel electrode 210 g includes a first portionoverlapping the second opening 119OP2 and a second portion protrudingfrom the first portion towards the first pixel electrode 210 r (or inthe first direction), and the second connection part CNT2 may be locatedon the second portion. The third pixel electrode 210 b may include afirst portion overlapping the third opening 119OP3, and a second portionprotruding from the first portion towards the first and second pixelelectrodes 210 r and 210 g (or in the second direction). The thirdconnection part CNT3 for electrically connecting to the third pixelelectrode 210 b and the pixel circuit electrically coupled to the thirdpixel electrode 210 b may be located at the second portion of the thirdpixel electrode 210 b. In some embodiments, the third connection partCNT3 may be a contact part between the third pixel electrode 210 b and acontact metal which electrically couples the pixel circuit to the thirdpixel electrode 210 b. In some embodiments, the third connection partCNT3 may be a contact part between the third pixel electrode 210 b and aelectrode of one thin film transistor of the pixel circuit.

In some embodiments, the first connection part CNT1, the secondconnection part CNT2, and the third connection part CNT3 adjacent to oneanother may be arranged in the second direction (e.g., x-direction).

In order to increase the lifespan of the display device, it may benecessary to increase the area of the third opening 119OP3, and thus,the third opening 119OP3 may include a concave portion 119 g adjacent tothe third connection part CNT3. An area of the third opening 119OP3 maybe greater than that of the first opening 119OP1 and/or the secondopening 119OP2.

A length from one edge of the third opening 119OP3 to the concaveportion 119 g may vary depending on a location of the third opening119OP3 in the display device.

In an embodiment, from among four third openings 119OP3 configuring oneopening group, a first length l1 from a first edge of the first thirdopening 119OP3 to the concave portion 119 g may be less than a secondlength l2 from a first edge of the second third opening 119OP3 to theconcave portion 119 g. A third length l3 from a first edge of the thirdthird opening 119OP3 to the concave portion 119 g may be less than afourth length l4 from a first edge of the fourth third opening 119OP3 tothe concave portion 119 g. The third length l3 may be greater than thesecond length l2.

Because the concave portion 119 g may be adjacent to the thirdconnection part CNT3, a length (e.g., first to fourth lengths) from oneedge of the third opening 119OP3 to the concave portion 119 g maycorrespond to a length from one edge of the third opening 119OP3 to thethird connection part CNT3.

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of pixels in adisplay device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10 , an array of pixels may include columns (or pixelcolumns) arranged in the first direction (e.g., y-direction). From amongthe first to third pixels, the first and second pixels may be in thesame column, and the third pixel may be in a different column.

The array of the pixels may include the (2j−1)-th column including thered pixels Pr and the green pixels Pg that may be alternately arrangedin the first direction, the (2j)-th column including the blue pixels Pbarranged in the first direction, the (2j+1)-th column including the redpixels Pr and the green pixels Pg arranged alternately in the firstdirection, and the (2j+2)-th column including the blue pixels Pbarranged in the first direction (here, j may be 1 or greaterodd-number). The array of the pixels may have a structure, in which the(2j−1)-th column, the (2j)-th column, the (2j+1)-th column, and the(2j+2)-th column may be repeatedly arranged.

The (2j−1)-th column and the (2j+1)-th column may each include the redpixels Pr and the green pixels Pg that may be alternately arranged inthe first direction, and detailed structure thereof are described above.

The (2j)-th column and the (2j+1)-th column may each have a structure,in which groups including n blue pixels Pb (n may be 4 or greatereven-number) may be arranged in the first direction. In someembodiments, FIG. 6 shows that six blue pixels Pb may be arrangedadjacent to one another. The six blue pixels Pb arranged adjacent to oneanother may configure one group. The first distance d1 between theadjacent blue pixels Pb in one group may be less than the seconddistance d2 between adjacent groups.

For example, the first distance d1 among the blue pixels Pb included inthe first group G1 may be less than the second distance d2 between thefirst group G1 and the second group G2. Similarly, the first distance d1between adjacent blue pixels Pb in the third group G3 may be less thanthe second distance d2 between the third group G3 and the fourth groupG4.

The arrangement of the blue pixels Pb in the (2j+2)-th column maycorrespond to shifting of the arrangement of the blue pixels Pb in the(2j)-th column by about (n/2) pixels in the first direction. Forexample, groups of blue pixels in the (2j+2)-th column and groups ofblue pixels in the (2j)-th column may be offset with respect to eachother. The groups in the (2j+2)-th column may be arranged in a directioninclined with respect to the first and second directions, as comparedwith the groups in the (2j)-th column. For example, some of the bluepixels Pb of the third group G3 in the (2j+1)-th column correspond tothe blue pixels Pb of the first group G1 in the second column, and theother blue pixels Pb of the third group G3 may correspond to the bluepixels Pb of the second group G2 in the second column. In other words,the groups each including n blue pixels Pb may be arranged in zig-zagsin the second direction (e.g., x-direction).

The (2j+1)-th column may include the fifth group G5 adjacent to thenon-display area NDA. In some embodiments, FIG. 10 shows that the fifthgroup G5 at the edge of the (2j+1)-th column includes three blue pixelsPb.

FIG. 10 shows that the (2j)-th column and the (2j+1)-th column eachinclude groups including six blue pixels Pb, but in another embodiment,the (2j)-th column and the (2j+1)-th column may each have a structure,in which eight, ten, etc. blue pixels Pb may be arranged adjacent to oneanother.

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view partially showing the pixels of FIG. 10.

In the (2j)-th column and/or the (2j+2)-th column, the green pixel Pg(or red pixel) may be located within a range between opposite edges ineach of first to (n/2)-th blue pixels Pb. The red pixel Pr (or greenpixel) may be located within a range between opposite edges in each ofthe (n/2+1)-th to n-th blue pixels Pb in each group.

Referring to the (2j)-th column of FIG. 11 , the first blue pixel Pb ineach of the first and second groups G1 and G2 may include the first edgee1 and the second edge e2. The red pixel Pr adjacent to the first bluepixel Pb may be out of the range between the first edge e1 and thesecond edge e2 of the first blue pixel Pb, and the green pixel Pgadjacent to the first blue pixel Pb may be located within the rangebetween the first edge e1 and the second edge e2 of the first blue pixelPb.

Similarly, the second and third blue pixels Pb in each of the firstgroup G1 and the second group G2 may each include the first edge e1 andthe second edge e2, and the green pixel Pg may be located within a rangebetween the first edge e1 and the second edge e2 in each of the secondand third blue pixels Pb.

The fourth blue pixel Pb in each of the first group G1 and the secondgroup G2 includes the first edge e1 and the second edge e2, and the redpixel Pr may be located within a range between the first edge e1 and thesecond edge e2 of the fourth blue pixel Pb.

Similarly, the fifth and sixth blue pixels Pb in each of the first groupG1 and the second group G2 may each include the first edge e1 and thesecond edge e2, and the red pixel Pr may be located within a rangebetween the first edge e1 and the second edge e2 in each of the fifthand sixth blue pixels Pb.

Referring to the (2j+2)-th column of FIG. 11 , the blue pixel Pb in eachof the third and fourth groups G3 and G4 may include the first edge e1and the second edge e2.

In the third and fourth groups G3 and G4, the green pixel Pg may belocated within a range between the first edge e1 and the second edge e2in each of the first to third blue pixels Pb. In the third and fourthgroups G3 and G4, the red pixel Pr may be located within a range betweenthe first edge e1 and the second edge e2 in each of the fourth to sixthblue pixels Pb.

In the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11 , thefirst pixel may be the red pixel and the second pixel may be the greenpixel, but in another embodiment, the first pixel may be the green pixeland the second pixel may be the red pixel.

According to one or more embodiments, the pixels may be effectivelyarranged, including the improvement of the aperture ratio. However, theabove technical features are exemplary, and the scope of the disclosureis not limited thereto.

It should be understood that embodiments described herein should beconsidered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodimentshould typically be considered as available for other similar featuresor aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have beendescribed with reference to the figures, it will be understood by thoseof ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detailsmay be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope asdefined by the following claims including any equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a substrate; and anarray of pixels on the substrate, the array of the pixels defined by apixel defining layer and comprising: a first column in which firstpixels emitting first color light and second pixels emitting secondcolor light are alternately disposed in a first direction; a secondcolumn adjacent to the first column, the second column comprising thirdpixels that emit third color light and are disposed in the firstdirection; and a first light-emitting diode, a second light-emittingdiode, and a third light-emitting diode respectively corresponding to afirst pixel of the first pixels a second pixel of the second pixels, anda third pixel of the third pixels, wherein the second column includesgroups each including two or more third pixels, a first distance betweenadjacent third pixels included in a same group is less than a seconddistance between adjacent third pixels included in different groups, thepixel defining layer includes: a first portion extending between theadjacent third pixels included in the same group, and a second portionextending between the adjacent third pixels included in the differentgroups, each of the first light-emitting diode, the secondlight-emitting diode, and the third light emitting diode comprises apixel electrode, and an emission layer which overlaps a pixel electrodeof the third light emitting diode overlaps another third electrode ofanother third light-emitting diode corresponding another third pixel inthe same group.
 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the two ormore third pixels include an even number of third pixels.
 3. The displaydevice of claim 1, wherein the two or more third pixels include at leastfour third pixels.
 4. The display device of claim 1, wherein each of thegroups in the second column comprises a first third pixel and a secondthird pixel disposed sequentially in the first direction, a second pixelof the first column is disposed between opposite edges of the firstthird pixel, the opposite edges being at opposite sides of the firstthird pixel in the first direction, and another second pixel of thefirst column is disposed between opposite edges of the second thirdpixel, the opposite edges being at opposite sides of the second thirdpixel in the first direction.
 5. The display device of claim 4, whereineach of the groups in the second column comprises a third pixel andanother third pixel disposed sequentially and adjacent to each other, afirst pixel of the first column is disposed between opposite edges ofthe third pixel, the opposite edges being at opposite sides of the thirdpixel in the first direction, and another first pixel of the firstcolumn is disposed between opposite edges of the another third pixel,the opposite edges being at opposite sides of the another third pixel inthe first direction.
 6. The display device of claim 1, wherein a thirddistance between a first pixel and a second pixel adjacent to each otherin the first column is greater than the first distance and less than thesecond distance.
 7. The display device of claim 1, wherein the array ofthe pixels comprises: a third column adjacent to the second column, thethird column comprising the first and second pixels that are alternatelydisposed in the first direction; and a fourth column adjacent to thethird column, the fourth column comprising the third pixels that emitthird color light and are disposed in the first direction.
 8. Thedisplay device of claim 7, wherein a first pixel in the first column anda first pixel in the third column are disposed in a first row directionthat is in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, asecond pixel in the first column and a second pixel in the third columnare disposed in a second row direction that is in the second direction,the fourth column includes groups each including two or more thirdpixels, and the groups in the fourth column and the groups in the secondcolumn are offset with respect to each other.
 9. The display device ofclaim 7, wherein the fourth column further comprises a group disposed atan edge of the fourth column and including half as many third pixels asanother group of the fourth column.
 10. The display device of claim 1wherein the emission layer of the third light-emitting diode extends inthe first direction.
 11. The display device of claim 1, furthercomprising: pixel circuits electrically connected to the firstlight-emitting diode, the second light-emitting diode, and the thirdlight-emitting diode; a first connection part between the pixelelectrode of the first light-emitting diode and a corresponding pixelcircuit; and a second connection part between the pixel electrode of thesecond light-emitting diode and a corresponding pixel circuit, whereinthe first connection part and the second connection part are disposedbetween the first pixel and the second pixel.
 12. The display device ofclaim 11, further comprising a third connection part between the pixelelectrode of the third light-emitting diode and a corresponding pixelcircuit, wherein the first and second connection parts are disposed at afirst side with respect to a virtual line, which passes the pixelelectrode of the third light-emitting diode and extends in a columndirection, and the third connection part is disposed at the first sidewith respect to the virtual line and is adjacent to the first pixel andthe second pixel.
 13. The display device of claim 1, wherein one of thefirst pixel and the second pixel includes a red pixel and the other ofthe first pixel and the second pixel includes a green pixel, and thethird pixel includes a blue pixel.
 14. The display device of claim 1,wherein an aperture ratio of each of the third pixels is greater than anaperture ratio of each of the first and second pixels.
 15. A displaydevice comprising: a substrate; pixel electrodes disposed on thesubstrate; a pixel defining layer disposed on the pixel electrodes, thepixel defining layer comprising openings overlapping the pixelelectrodes; first emission layers, second emission layers, and thirdemission layers that are disposed on the pixel defining layer; and anopposite electrode disposed on the first, second, and third emissionlayers, wherein the openings in the pixel defining layer comprise: afirst column comprising first openings and second openings that arealternately disposed in a first direction; and a second column adjacentto the first column, the second column comprising third openingsdisposed in the first direction, the second column comprising: a firstopening group comprising third openings; and a second opening groupdisposed adjacent to the first opening group in the first direction, thesecond opening group comprising third openings, a first distance betweenadjacent third openings in the first opening group is less than a seconddistance between the first opening group and the second opening group,and the pixel defining layer includes: a first portion between two thirdopenings that are adjacent to each other and overlap one of the thirdemission layers; and a second portion between two third openings thatare adjacent to each other, one of the two third openings overlappingone of the third emission layers and the other third opening overlappinganother one of the third emission layers.
 16. The display device ofclaim 15, wherein the first emission layers respectively overlap thefirst openings, the second emission layers respectively overlap thesecond openings, the third emission layers are apart from one another inthe first direction, and each of the third emission layers overlapscorresponding ones of the third openings.
 17. The display device ofclaim 16, wherein the first emission layers include red emission layersemitting red light, the second emission layers include green emissionlayers emitting green light, and the third emission layers include blueemission layers emitting blue light.
 18. The display device of claim 15,wherein a width of the first portion of the pixel defining layer in thefirst direction is less than a width of the second portion of the pixeldefining layer in the first direction.
 19. The display device of claim18, wherein the pixel defining layer includes a third portion betweenthe first opening and the second opening that are adjacent to each otherand respectively overlap the first and second emission layers, and awidth of the third portion is greater than the width of the firstportion and less than the width of the second portion.
 20. The displaydevice of claim 15, wherein each of the third openings comprisesopposite edges at opposite sides in the first direction, a secondopening of the first column overlaps the second emission layer and isdisposed between opposite edges of a first third opening included in thefirst opening group or the second opening group, and another secondopening of the first column overlaps the second emission layer and isdisposed between opposite edges of a second third opening included inthe first opening group or the second opening group.
 21. The displaydevice of claim 20, wherein a first opening of the first column overlapsthe first emission layer and is disposed between opposite edges of athird opening included in the first opening group or the second openinggroup, and another first opening of the first column overlaps the firstemission layer and is disposed between opposite edges of another thirdopening included in the first opening group or the second opening group.22. The display device of claim 15, wherein the openings in the pixeldefining layer comprise: a third column adjacent to the second column,the third column including first openings and second openings that arealternately disposed in the first direction; and a fourth columnadjacent to the third column, the fourth column comprising thirdopenings disposed in the first direction, the fourth column includesopening groups each including two or more third openings, and one of theopening groups in the fourth column and the first opening group in thesecond column are offset with respect to each other.
 23. The displaydevice of claim 15, further comprising pixel circuits electricallyconnected to the pixel electrodes, wherein connection parts between thepixel electrodes overlapping the third openings of the second column andcorresponding pixel circuits are adjacent to the first column.
 24. Thedisplay device of claim 23, wherein a first length between an edge ofone of the third openings of the second column and a correspondingconnection part is different from a second length between an edge of aneighboring third opening and a corresponding connection part.
 25. Thedisplay device of claim 23, wherein each of the third openings of thesecond column includes a concave portion adjacent to the first column.26. The display device of claim 15, wherein an area of each of the thirdopenings is greater than an area of each of the first openings or anarea of each of the second openings.